To commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, The Hunts Post is reflecting on the lives of the men from Huntingdonshire that were killed in action during the D-Day Landings.
L./Cpl. George Eastgate, R.A.C
It was reported in The Hunts Post on July 20, 1944, that the first fatality from St Ives during D-Day was a man called George Eastgate.
The front page of the edition said: “St Ives’ first fatal casualty in the Normandy campaign is L./Cpl. George Eastgate, R.A.C, younger son of Mr and Mrs G. Eastgate, 6 West Street, who received the sad news last weekend.
“Aged 28, George was a member of a famous Tank Regt. He had had over four years in the Services, taking part in the North African campaign and in the memorable battle of El Alamein. He was the holder of the Africa Star.
“It was only last December that he returned to England, and at Christmas he was married to Miss E. Rolfe, of Watford.
“St Ives will remember him as a very popular young man. He was educated at the Grammar School, was a keen sportsman, and a member of the Parish Church Choir.
“Apprenticed to the grocery trade with Messrs. Sainsbury’s, Cambridge, L./Cpl. Eastgate was working in London at the time of joining up.
“Much sympathy is felt with his wife and parents in their grievous loss.”
Lieut. Peter Dennis Robinson
An edition of The Hunts Post from August 24, 1944, reported the death of a marine from Buckden who died during the Normandy Landings.
It said: “His many friends learned with deep regret of the fact (briefly announced in our last issue) that Lieut. Peter Dennis Robinson, aged 20, of the Royal marine Commandos, has been killed in action in France during August. He was buried at the military cemetery at Ranville.
“The fifth son of Mrs and the late Mr A. T. Robinson, of Buckden, Lt. Robinson was one of the first local members of the A.T.C, but owing to some slight ear trouble was unable to realise his ambition to become a pilot.
“Instead, he joined the Royal Marines, and after a short period was granted a commission. Later he volunteered and was accepted for the Marine Commandos.
“Lt. Robinson was detailed for overseas service at the end of last year but was accidentally wounded when about to embark. After a short spell in hospital, he was transferred to another unit and landed in France on D-Day.
“Educated at Huntingdon Grammar School, where he gained his School Certificate, Lt. Robinson was on the staff of the County Library before enlisting.”
Eric Woodward
Flight Lieut. Eric Woodward was a pupil at Huntingdon Grammar School and was due to attend the Slade Art School in London.
However, his artistic studies were delayed when the Second World War began and he enrolled as a flight officer with the RAF’s 268 Squadron, flying P-51 Mustangs.
Lt. Woodward was the son of Mr and Mrs Woodward, of Brampton.
He was tragically killed on June 6, 1944 when he was flying in support of the Normandy Landings. He was 22 when he died.
His artwork was retained by Mr Timothy Towler, Huntingdon Grammar School’s Art and Technical Drawing Master, however the work changed hands several times and now remains with the Huntingdonshire Archives.
Private Arthur Papworth
Grateful French villagers built a permanent memorial to a Ramsey Mereside soldier for his courage in June, 1944.
Private Arthur Papworth was killed near the French village of Vaudry after he took part in the D-Day landings.
Villagers bought a piece of land to give the young soldier "a proper burial place" and honoured his memory by naming the village school after their "adopted son".
In June 1944, The Hunts Post reported that Arthur's sister, Mavis Mariott, from Peterborough, had just returned from France after visiting the spot where her brother died, which the local people called "Little England".
Arthur died near the railway embankment and was buried there, but villagers decided it was not a fitting burial spot for a man who gave his life to liberate their country.
A French couple traced Arthur's family through the War Graves Commission and kept in touch with the Papworth's for 50 years.
In an emotional reunion, Mavis and her brothers Donald and George, and sister Glennis, visited the little school where Arthur's name will be enshrined forever.
In a speech, the Mayor said: "Our hero Arthur will always be remembered by future generations of French children. We are proud of him.
"Arthur was only an ordinary soldier, but he was a symbol of the courage and spirit of all the men who took part in D-Day in 1944."
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